Simple, Crunchy, and Creamy: Your New Go-To Vegan Caesar

Gluten-free, dairy-free, packed with crunch, flavor, and bold flavor.

This isn’t just a salad. It’s a masterclass in plant-based magic. A Caesar that keeps everything you love—the creamy dressing, the briny depth, the satisfying crunch—but makes it smarter, fresher, easier… and completely gluten and dairy-free.

Cheers to something unforgettable!

Ingredients

For the Hummus-Based Vegan Caesar Dressing:

• ½ cup hummus (store-bought or homemade—see recipe below)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed, no bottled shortcuts)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds bite & depth)
• 1 tbsp capers, finely chopped (briny magic)
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (umami powerhouse)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (essential Caesar flavor)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for richness)
• 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp miso paste (white or chickpea, for deeper umami)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but adds warmth)
• 1 tbsp aquafaba (from canned chickpeas, for silkiness)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (mimics Parmesan’s sharpness)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1–2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)

For the Greens:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 bunch lacinato kale, thinly sliced & massaged with a little lemon juice
• 1 cup shaved Brussels sprouts (optional, but amazing)

For the Crunch (Choose One or Both):

Option 1: Toasted Chickpeas

• 1 cup canned chickpeas, patted dry
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp smoked paprika or garlic powder

Roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway. Crispy, golden perfection.

Option 2: Almond “Parm” Crumble

• ½ cup almonds
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

Pulse in a food processor until crumbly. Nutty, cheesy, ridiculously good.

Extras (Optional, but Highly Recommended)

• ¼ cup marinated caper berries (briny flavor bombs)
• ¼ cup thinly shaved red onion (adds a little bite)
• 1 avocado, sliced (for creamy contrast)
• ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (for more crunch & depth)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

1. In a bowl, whisk together the hummus, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers, nutritional yeast, garlic, olive oil, Worcestershire, miso, smoked paprika, aquafaba, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Taste. Adjust salt, lemon, or umami to your liking.
3. Add water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a creamy but pourable consistency.
4. Let it sit for 15 minutes (if you have the patience). The flavors get even better.

Step 2: Prepare the Greens

1. In a large bowl, toss the romaine, kale, and shaved Brussels sprouts together.
2. Massage the kale with a little lemon juice first—this softens the texture and makes it taste incredible.

Step 3: Make the Crunch

1. For Toasted Chickpeas: Toss chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
2. For Almond “Parm” Crumble: Blitz almonds, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and salt in a food processor until you get a crumbly texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Drizzle the dressing over the greens and toss until every leaf is coated.
2. Top with toasted chickpeas, almond parm, and any extra add-ins like capers, red onion, avocado, or pumpkin seeds.
3. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a final squeeze of lemon.

Bonus: The Best Cava-Style Hummus

If you want to go all in and make the perfect hummus base for this dressing, here’s how you make it silky-smooth and restaurant-level delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and peeled
• ¼ cup tahini (high-quality & runny)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove (raw or roasted)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp ice water (for fluffiness)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp white vinegar (Cava’s secret touch)

Instructions:

1. Blend the tahini and lemon juice first until whipped and creamy.
2. Add garlic, salt, cumin, and chickpeas. Blend until mostly smooth.
3. Drizzle in ice water, a little at a time, until you reach a super-smooth consistency.
4. Taste, adjust, and finish with olive oil and a final blend.

Final Thoughts: This Salad Isn’t Just Good—It’s a Game-Changer

This is a Caesar with depth. A Caesar with layers. A salad that isn’t about what’s missing—it’s about what’s possible.

• Dressing? Creamy, umami-packed, and rich.
• Greens? Crisp, hearty, and ready to soak up all that flavor.
• Crunch? Completely gluten-free and wildly satisfying.
• Nutrients? Fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein to keep you fueled.
• Overall? A salad you’ll make again. And again. And again.

Because plant-based eating should never be a compromise. It should be bold. It should be satisfying. And it should be delicious.